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Abstract:

A flexible pillow device is provided that is formed of a plurality of
pillow members connected in an aligned arrangement. The pillow members
are connected along their sides and are pivotable relative to one another
to form either a flat or arch configuration. The device is useful for
serving as a one of a flat pillow, one that can conform to an underlying
shape, or one that can form a free-standing arch shape with an open
interior. In one embodiment, the pillow members include a first side
portion that is aligned with an adjacent pillow member, and with a second
side portion that is faceted inward to allow adjacent pillows to form
against one another when in an arch configuration. Another embodiment
contemplates rounded pillow members. When in an arch configuration, the
open interior accommodates a user's arm for sleeping on one's side or
when sleeping with a partner.

Claims:

1) A flexible pillow device, comprising: a plurality of pillow members;
each pillow member having a pair of sides, a length, a height, an upper
surface, and a lower surface; whereby each pillow member is connected to
at least one adjacent pillow member along one of its sides; whereby each
pillow member further comprises an outermost lateral portion along the
sides thereof; whereby each pillow member is connected to an adjacent
pillow member via a pivotal connection disposed at each outermost lateral
portion; whereby each pillow member is rotatable relative to an adjacent
pillow member about the pivotal connection such that the plurality of
pillow members can operably form a flat shape or an arch shape with an
open interior.

2) The flexible pillow device of claim 1, wherein: the outermost lateral
portion along the sides of each pillow member extends along the entire
extent of each side.

3) The flexible pillow device of claim 1, wherein each pillow member
further comprises an outer surface an interior cushioning material.

4) The flexible pillow device of claim 1, wherein: each side of the
pillow members further comprises a first side surface that is
substantially perpendicular to the upper surface, and a second side
surface that is disposed at an inward angle relative to the first side
surface such that the second side surface of each of the pillow members
angles away from an adjacent pillow.

5) The flexible pillow device of claim 1, wherein: each side of the
pillow members further comprises a first side surface that is
substantially perpendicular to the upper surface, and a second side
surface that is disposed at an inward angle relative to the first side
surface such that the second side surface of each of the pillow members
angles away from an adjacent pillow; and wherein the lower surface and
the upper surface are parallel to one another, the lower surface connects
to the second side surfaces of the sides and forms a smaller surface than
the upper surface.

6) The flexible pillow device of claim 1, wherein: each of the pillow
members comprises a rectangular cross section with a pair of upper
corners and a pair of lower corners; the lower corners being inboard of
the upper corners such that the sides of each pillow member are chamfered
inward.

7) The flexible pillow device of claim 1, wherein the pivotal connection
further comprises a sewn line of connection.

10) The flexible pillow device of claim 1, wherein: each of the pillow
members comprises a rectangular cross section with a pair of upper
corners and a pair of lower corners; the lower corners being inboard of
the upper corners such that the sides of each pillow member are chamfered
inward at a fifteen degree angle.

11) The flexible pillow device of claim 1, wherein: each of the pillow
members comprises a rounded cross section, wherein the upper surface
comprises a rounded profile and the lower surface comprises a rounded
profile.

Description:

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application
No. 62/053,889 filed on Sep. 23, 2014. The above identified patent
application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to
provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to pillow and cushion devices. More
specifically, the present invention relates to flexible or adjustable
pillow devices that can form a flat shape or a curved shape to
accommodate a user's head and the limb of a user thereunder.

[0003] Pillows are common devices that are used for cushioning while
resting or sleeping. These devices are commonplace and provide a
cushioned area to rest one's head or body while lying down, sitting, or
otherwise lying on a furniture item. While sleeping, many enjoy specific
sleeping positions that suit their posture, their habits, or their
preferences. These positions include sleeping on one's back, or sleeping
on one's side, or even sleeping on one's stomach. Each of these positions
raises ergonomic concerns with respect to the user's neck and positioning
of the user's limbs.

[0004] Along with sleeping preferences of an individual user, ergonomics
are implicated when sleeping with a partner. If two individuals share a
bed in close proximity, one user may rest on the other. Therefore, a need
arises for a flexible or arrangeable pillow that allows a user to
correctly support his or her head and limbs while sleeping alone or in
tandem with a partner. Additionally, a need exists for a pillow that
enables a user to place his or her arms beneath the pillow, where the
user's head will not place pressure on the arms below the pillow.
Finally, a need exists for a pillow that can be placed in a flat state or
an arch shape to accommodate a single user's preferred sleeping position,
whereby the shape of the pillow can be arranged to support the user's
head and neck as desired and based on the sleep position.

[0005] The present invention comprises a flexible pillow device comprising
a plurality of pillow members disposed in an aligned stated and connected
along their sides. The pillow members are pivotable relative to one
another to form a flat configuration or an arch configurator when the
pillow members are pivoted relative to one another. A connection between
the pillow members and a recess between adjacent pillow members allows
each adjacent pillow member to pivot relative to one another to
transition from a flat configuration to an arch configuration. When in
the form of an arch, the pillow can support a user's head while a user's
limb is positioned through the arch opening, thereby reducing stress on
the limb under the pillow. Several embodiments of the pillow member shape
are contemplated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The following summary is intended solely for the benefit of the
reader and is not intended to be limiting in any way. The present
invention provides a new flexible pillow device that can be utilized for
providing convenience for the user when sleeping in various positions and
while sleeping with a partner.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new
and improved flexible pillow device that has all of the advantages of the
prior art and none of the disadvantages.

[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a flexible
pillow device that comprises a plurality of pillow members, each pillow
member having a pair of sides, a length, a height, an upper surface, and
a lower surface. Each pillow member is connected to at least one adjacent
pillow member along one of its sides at an outermost lateral portion
along the sides thereof.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a flexible
pillow device that comprises pillow members that are connected to
adjacent pillow members via a pivotal connection disposed at each
outermost lateral portion.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a flexible
pillow device with pillow members having rotatable connection relative to
an adjacent pillow member using a pivotal connection such that the
plurality of pillow members can operably form an aligned, flat shape, or
a curving, arch shape with an open interior.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a flexible
pillow device that comprises an outermost lateral portion along the sides
of each pillow member that extends along the entire extent of each side,
the outermost later portion comprising a surface or a point that is
laterally outboard such that the pivotal connection between pillow
members allows each pillow member to rotate relative to the adjacent
pillow member.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a flexible
pillow device that comprises pillow members having an outer surface an
interior cushioning material.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a flexible
pillow device comprising pillow members having a pair of sides in which
is substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the pillow member,
and a second side surface that is disposed at an inward angle relative to
the first side surface such that the second side surface of each of the
pillow members angles away from an adjacent pillow.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a flexible
pillow device comprising pillow members having a lower surface and the
upper surface that are parallel to one another, the lower surface
connecting to the second side surfaces of the sides to form a smaller
lower surface than the upper surface.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a flexible
pillow device in which each of the pillow members comprises a rectangular
cross section with a pair of upper corners and a pair of lower corners,
the lower corners being inboard of the upper corners such that the sides
of each pillow member are chamfered inward.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a flexible
pillow device in which the pivotal connection between the pillow members
further comprises a sewn line of connection.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a flexible
pillow device in which the pivotal connection between the pillow members
further comprises an elastic surface extending between adjacent pillow
members.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a flexible
pillow device in which the pivotal connection between the pillow members
further comprises a fabric surface disposed between adjacent pillow
members.

[0019] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
flexible pillow device in which each of the pillow members comprises a
rectangular cross section with a pair of upper corners and a pair of
lower corners, the lower corners being inboard of the upper corners such
that the sides of each pillow member are chamfered inward at an angle.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a flexible
pillow device in which each of the pillow members comprises a rounded
cross section, and wherein the upper surface comprises a rounded profile
and the lower surface comprises a rounded profile

[0021] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Although the characteristic features of this invention will be
particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner
in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review
of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

[0023] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the pillow device of the present
invention in an arch configuration.

[0024] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the pillow device of the present
invention in a flat configuration.

[0025] FIG. 3A shows a cross section of an embodiment of the pillow
members of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 3B shows a cross section of an embodiment of the pillow
members of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 4 shows a view of the pillow device of the present invention
being used in an arch shape.

[0028] FIG. 5 shows another view of the pillow device of the present
invention being used in an arch shape.

[0029] FIG. 6 shows yet another view of the pillow device of the present
invention being used in an arch shape.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference
numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar
elements of the pillow device of the present invention. For the purposes
of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the
preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for providing support to a
user while offering the ability to be situated in a flat or arched
configuration. The figures are intended for representative purposes only
and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there are shown views of the pillow
device of the present invention in two states. The pillow device of the
present invention comprises a plurality of pillow members 11 that are
connected along their sides to form a row of pillow members. The
connection between pillow members and the shape of each pillow member
allows each adjacent pillow member 11 to rotate relative to their
connection point, thereby allowing the pillow device to form a flat,
aligned shape 101, or a curved, arch shape 100 with an open interior.
FIG. 1 represents an embodiment of the pillow members and the pillow
device in the shape of an arch 100. FIG. 2 represents an embodiment of
the pillow members and the pillow device in the shape of a flat, aligned
shape 101.

[0032] In an arch shape 100, the pillow device provides pillow members 11
upon which the user can rest a portion of his or her body. The arch shape
100 forms an open interior, through which a user can place one or more of
his or her limbs therethrough. This shape accommodates sleeping on one's
side, sleeping on one's stomach, and certain positions in which a user is
sleeping with a partner. Along with the arch and flat shapes, the pillow
can also form a contoured shape over a multi-faceted or multi-curved
shape (i.e. an S-shape or the like).

[0033] The pillow members 11 of the present invention are cushioned
members an outer surface and a structure that provides cushioning when
pressed upon. Embodiments include interior cushioning material with a
removable exterior fabric surface, single-piece embodiments (i.e. foam
blocks or the like), or other embodiments that form a pillow member that
can connect to adjacent pillow members. In one embodiment, the pillow
members 11 are elongated members having lateral sides, an upper surface
12, a lower surface 14, a first end 13, a second end 16, and a pivotal
connection between one or more adjacent pillow members along the lateral
sides of the pillow member.

[0034] The pillow members 11 rotate relative to one another to operatively
form a flat shape 101 or an arch shape 100. In one embodiment, the
lateral sides of the pillow members comprise a first side surface 17 that
is substantially perpendicular to the upper surface 12, and a second side
surface 15 that is disposed at an inward angle relative to the first side
surface 17 such that the second side surface 15 of each of the pillow
members 11 angles away from an adjacent pillow. The edge between the
first side surface 17 and the second side surface 15 forms an outermost
lateral portion extending along the sides of the pillow member.

[0035] Each adjacent pillow member is connected to the pillow member via a
pivotal connection disposed the outermost lateral portion. The angled
second side surface 15 and the pivotal connection allow two adjacent
pillow members to rotate about their connection point. In the arch shape,
the second side surfaces 15 of adjacent pillow members bear against one
another to form a stable shape. Likewise, the firs side surfaces 17 of
adjacent pillow members move away from one another to form a gap 20
between adjacent pillow members in the arch shape.

[0036] Several embodiments are contemplated with respect to the cross
sectional shape of the pillow members 11. In the shape provided in FIGS.
1-3A, the pillow members comprise substantially rectangular shapes with
lateral sides being formed of a two faceted surfaces (i.e. the first side
surface 17 and the second side surface 15). The second side surface 15 is
angled inward toward the pillow member centerline and at an angle. This
angle may vary depending on the number of pillow members, but the angle
preferably is determined based on forming a 180 degree arch with the
number of pillow members connected together. Therefore, in FIG. 2, seven
pillow members 11 are connected, forming six connections. To form a 180
degree arch with equal separation between each pillow member when rotated
relative to one another, the six connections must individually form
thirty degree separations 21. Therefore, the second side surface 15 in
this embodiment is angled inward at fifteen degrees. When adjacent pillow
members are rotated toward each other, the combined angles form the 180
degree arch required. It is noted that it is not a requirement of the
claimed invention to form a 180 degree arch, but is one embodiment. The
exact angular separation 21 is not limited to the recited embodiment
above.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, there are shown two embodiments of
the present invention. FIG. 3A provides a cross-section view of an
embodiment that comprises a substantially rectangular pillow member 11.
In this embodiment, each side of the pillow member comprises a first side
surface 17 that is substantially perpendicular to an upper surface, and a
second side surface 14 that is disposed at an inward angle relative to
the first side surface 17 such that the second side surface 15 of each of
the pillow members 11 angles away from an adjacent pillow. This
embodiment further comprises a lower surface 14 and the upper surface
that are substantially parallel to one another, the lower surface 14
connecting to the second side surfaces 15 of the sides to form a smaller
lower surface 14 than an upper surface. This embodiment further comprises
the pillow members 11 with a pair of upper corners and a pair of lower
corners, the lower corners being inboard of the upper corners such that
the sides of each pillow member are chamfered inward. The chamfer is at a
defined angle that allows the second side surfaces 15 of the pillow
members to bear against one another when the pillow members are pivoted
towards one another in the arch shape.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 3B, this view illustrates another embodiment of
the pillow members 11, whereby the pillow members 11 comprise a rounded
upper surface 12 and a rounded lower surface 14. The rounded upper
surface 12 and the rounded lower surface 14 form a pillow member 11 that
is substantially rounded or circular. The interior of each embodiment
comprises a cushioning material 30 that compresses and cushions a user
resting on the pillow member.

[0039] Connecting each of the pillow members is a pivotal connection 40
disposed along the lateral portion of each adjacent pillow member.
Several embodiments are contemplated for the pivotal connection 40. The
function of the pivotal connection is to connection adjacent pillow
members, while also allowing each pillow member to pivot relative to one
another to operatively form the arch shape or flat shape. Embodiments of
the pivotal connection 40 include a sewn line of connection between the
adjacent pillow members, an elastic surface between adjacent pillow
members, and a fabric surface between adjacent pillow members. Any
structure that is capable of connecting adjacent pillow members while
allowing the pillow members the flexibility or freedom to rotate about
the connection is contemplated. The pivotal connection may extend along
the entire sides of the pillow members, or along a portion thereof.

[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, there are shown various views of the
pillow device of the present invention in a working state. The views show
the pillow device in an arch shape 100, whereby the open interior 105 of
the arch shape accommodates a limb or body part of the user while resting
alone or with a partner. The present invention enables a user's head to
remain elevated without applying pressure to limbs disposed within the
open interior 105 of the device while in an arch shape. The device is a
flexible structure that enables a user to manually manipulate the device
in order to form it into a desired shape, whereby the pillow device can
retain a freestanding arch shape if desired. The invention may be
constructed from cotton, polyester, nylon, wood and/or other suitable
materials. The device may be available in different sizes, colors, and
designs to suit user preferences. The exact size, measurement,
construction, and design specifications may vary upon manufacturing.

[0041] It is submitted that the instant invention has been shown and
described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made
within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will
occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above
description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional
relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in
size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly
and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the
art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the
drawings and described in the specification are intended to be
encompassed by the present invention.

[0042] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the
principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and
changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired
to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and
described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents
may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.